Avanti Collaborates with UNHCR to Provide Connectivity to Refugees Across Uganda

Key Highlights

• In partnership with the UNHCR, Avanti offers solar-powered satellite internet and laptops to seven refugee camps in Uganda.

Uganda’s Refugee Landscape

As of May 2024, Uganda is Africa’s largest refugee host, providing refuge to over 1.6 million people. Most refugees are from South Sudan (56%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (31%), Somalia (3%), and Sudan (2.2%). They primarily live in districts in the Northern and Southwestern regions and in the capital, Kampala.

Refugees in Uganda, not just numbers but individuals, reside in settlements, coexisting with local communities. The largest of these settlements, such as Adjumani (222,894 refugees), Bidi Bidi (198,950), Nakivale (188,914), and Rhino (160,555), are home to a diverse population. Despite their challenges, these individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience, particularly the women, comprising 51% of the refugee population and the youth, representing 24%. This is a testament to their strength and determination in adversity.

To address this issue, Uganda has adopted a comprehensive refugee response policy framework to manage this influx. This framework integrates refugees into national development planning and statistics and fosters a sense of inclusivity. This progressive strategy offers refugees considerable opportunities for self-reliance and dignity. Uganda’s commitment to refugee integration shows how comprehensive policies can address large-scale displacement while promoting refugee welfare and dignity.

Bidi Bidi in Yumbe District, Northern Uganda, hosts a diverse refugee population mainly from South Sudan and the DRC. Refugees here live in simple structures—often mud-and-thatch huts or temporary shelters constructed from available materials. These shelters protect the people against the region’s harsh weather conditions, including the scorching sun and torrential rains. Bidi Bidi is a bustling settlement with makeshift shelters, schools, health centres, and community spaces. It hosts families from conflict-affected regions, fostering a unique multicultural environment. According to the latest statistics, Bidi Bidi houses 198,950 refugees, with about 25% being youths aged 18-35.

Similarly, Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Arua District is another significant refuge site in Northern Uganda. According to the latest the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) statistics, it currently hosts 160,555 refugees. Rhino Camp faces specific connectivity challenges, including limited access to communication networks, internet services, and reliable infrastructure. Avanti Communications’ Ofua Zone site offers free internet, enhancing communication and information sharing among refugees in Village IV.

Both Bidi Bidi and Rhino Camp highlight Uganda’s ongoing efforts to support displaced individuals.  This shared responsibility fosters a sense of unity and collective action in the face of adversity.

Avanti and UNHCR: Supporting Refugee Relief Efforts in Uganda

UNHCR, its partners, the Ugandan government, and private sector partners are pivotal in Uganda’s refugee response. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international support in this crisis and ensures that refugees receive the necessary protection and humanitarian assistance. To this end, in partnership with the UNHCR, Avanti Communications is bringing solar-powered satellite broadband connectivity and laptops to seven buildings across seven refugee camps in Uganda. The connected sites are in Adjumani, Bidibidi, Imvepi, Kiryandongo, Palabek, and Rhino Camp, which predominantly host refugees from South Sudan.

Avanti is dedicated to using its satellite technology to support refugees, host communities, and humanitarian organisations by providing access to connectivity in remote locations. This initiative links UNHCR Protection Units with technology centers, enabling refugees and host communities to access vital information and services.  These technology centres facilitate access to humanitarian aid, livelihood services, and educational resources, creating revenue-generating opportunities and enhancing refugee self-reliance. This effort also helps ease the pressure on host countries.

“Working with the UNHCR over the past four years has been an incredible privilege for all of us at Avanti. We firmly believe everyone should have access to connectivity and the opportunity to use the internet. We know that internet connectivity can make a huge difference in ensuring individuals can access vital information, including humanitarian and livelihood services, and driving education opportunities.We remain dedicated to our partnership with the UNHCR”. 

Avanti provides VSAT internet connectivity specifically for communities in the West Nile settlements. Over 260 people, mainly refugees and children, can visit the seven connectivity sites daily to access free internet for educational and online learning purposes.Avanti powers seven sites in Uganda, enabling refugees and host communities to access information, education, and livelihood opportunities.This initiative significantly improves the quality of life and future prospects for displaced individuals and their host communities.

Debbie Mavis, Director at Avanti Communications, said, “We are committed to using our satellite technology to support refugees, host communities, and humanitarian organisations in the region.

Shadi Ghrawi, Senior Private Sector Partnerships Officer at the UNHCR, says, “World Refugee Day honors refugees around the globe.” It celebrates the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. This year, World Refugee Day highlights solidarity with refugees, aiming for a world where they are welcomed. 

The private sector has been rising to the occasion by offering resources, expertise, and sustainable solutions that make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees. Avanti Communications, a long-standing partner of UNHCR, has since 2020 been providing satellite services to allow access to connectivity in the remotest of locations. In Uganda, Avanti’s support powers seven sites with connectivity across the country, enabling refugees and host communities to access information, education, and livelihood opportunities.”